Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday defended the Rainbow Coalition backing President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, insisting the political alliance is aimed at strengthening the president’s re-election campaign and not weakening the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike dismissed concerns that the coalition could trigger disunity within the APC, saying President Tinubu’s re-election should attract support from Nigerians across political parties.
The former Rivers State governor, who coordinates the coalition in Rivers State and the FCT, explained that the Rainbow Coalition brings together APC members and Tinubu supporters from other political parties under one platform.
According to him, the arrangement reflects the political realities in different states while creating a broader alliance for the president’s 2027 re-election bid.
“If you see that word, PBT/APC, it means those who are supporting the president who are not members of the party, together with the party, are working together to achieve that purpose,” Wike said.
He cited Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and himself as examples of those coordinating the coalition in their respective states.
Wike stressed that the coalition was never created to replace the APC but to complement the ruling party’s efforts by attracting support beyond its membership.
He noted that while the APC remains the platform on which President Tinubu will contest the next presidential election, Nigerians from other political parties are free to work for his victory.
“The major thing is Mr President. Whatever we are going to do, whoever has any idea or anything to contribute is to the success of Mr President. That is the whole thing,” he said.
The FCT minister also dismissed claims that the coalition had unsettled APC governors or could encourage defections within the ruling party.
“I don’t know what concerns there are. As far as I am concerned, there is no problem,” he stated.
Using the FCT as an example, Wike recalled how he urged political stakeholders to support President Tinubu and APC National Assembly candidates while allowing supporters of other political parties to vote for candidates of their choice in other elections.
He argued that every state has its own political realities, making it necessary to adopt strategies that unite supporters around a common national objective.
According to him, political leadership is about convincing people to embrace a shared vision despite their different party affiliations.
Wike said the Rainbow Coalition demonstrates an effort to build wider national support for President Tinubu beyond the traditional boundaries of party politics.
He also rejected claims that the coalition represents a new political strategy, noting that politicians had in the past supported presidential candidates outside their political parties while pursuing different interests at the state level.
However, he said the current political climate has made such alliances more open and better organised.
The minister maintained that the coalition has one clear objective—to mobilise the widest possible support for President Tinubu’s re-election and sustain what he described as the administration’s achievements.
He urged Nigerians to judge the president based on his performance rather than partisan sentiments as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.